4
Joakim was very rich, and had a fine garden adjoining his house; the Jews used to come to him because he was the most honored of them all.
5
That year two elders from the people were appointed as judges. Concerning them the Lord had said: "Wickedness came forth from Babylon, from elders who were judges, who were supposed to govern the people."
6
These men were frequently at Joakim's house, and all who had a case to be tried came to them there.
7
When the people left at noon, Susanna would go into her husband's garden to walk.
8
Every day the two elders used to see her, going in and walking about, and they began to lust for her.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.